In The Gym with Nick Schultz of Red Brook Health & Wellness Center

FFFC:  Please introduce yourself to our readers.

NS:  My name is Nick Shultz, Executive Director at Red Brook Health & Wellness Center in Owings Mills, Maryland.  I oversee the fitness division for David S. Brown Enterprises and our main facility, Red Brook Health & Wellness Center.

FFFC:  How did you get started in fitness and working out?

NS:  I was always involved in sports since the day I could walk.  The home videos, still played to this day, recap the daily practices and events that would take place.  My father was a physical education teacher, athletic director, and coach for 34 years in Baltimore County, so athletics were part of life.  Any sport that was in session, we played!  While juggling multiple sports in high school, I trained with my older brother, Kurtis, who was already in the fitness industry as a strength coach.  Luckily enough, I followed the same path becoming an assistant under him during my senior year internship.

FFFC:  Why did you make fitness your career choice?  How?

NS:  Fitness, athletics, and sports were always a part of life for me and I loved the atmosphere.  The transition from athlete to strength coach was easy because of my experience helping Kurtis with team workouts, kickboxing classes, and for the most part “living in the gym”.  I decided to get my first certification through A.C.E., American Council of Exercise and later the N.S.C.A..  My love for helping others, being in an active work environment, and enjoying what I do all played a role in my career choice.  I’ve never felt like it’s “work”, it’s too much fun!!  I love what I do.

FFFC:  What do you like most about what you do?

NS:  I cherish the relationships that I’ve built over the years.  Making positive connections and helping others through their personal journey is awesome.  Being able to assist someone in achieving their goals is amazing.

FFFC:  What is your favorite exercise routine?

NS:  My favorite exercise routine is whatever I have planned for that day.  I’d better love it, because going 80 or 90% through a workout doesn’t cut it.  “Just… getting it done” doesn’t cut it.  I convince myself that I love what’s written for today because mentally I must do more or go longer than the last time.

FFFC:  What do you consider the most useful workout equipment?

NS:  The most useful workout equipment, in my mind, is your own body weight.  Using your own weight for various exercises is something that most people overlook.  You have to master your own body in correct movement patterns before adding an external load. As far as an actual piece of equipment around the gym…. That’s a tough one.  My top four would be dumbbells, a TRX suspension trainer, any available hill, and FOAM ROLLERS!!!

FFFC:  What do you think is the biggest misconception about this field and what you do?

NS:  The biggest misconception about the personal training / fitness field would be that all trainers are created equal.  NOT TRUE!!!  Make sure your current/future trainer is certified, has a positive attitude, progresses and regresses your workouts as needed, and puts your needs first.  Making someone throw up every time they walk into the gym isn’t something to be proud of.  When training the general population, you must be able to adjust workouts on the fly.  Kids, work, sleep, and LIFE can get in the way of a perfectly planned training session.

FFFC:  What general tips do you have for the average woman balancing family, career with health and fitness?

NS:  The average woman balancing everyday life must make her own health a priority.  Value yourself as much, if not more, than everything else around you.  Work, kids, and your family will benefit from a happier and healthier version of you.  It can be a morning walk / jog a few times per week or training sessions after work.  A healthier version of you will translate into a healthier family.

FFFC:  Do you have any competitions or special events coming up?

NS:  We have our 10 year anniversary celebration & open house coming up on October 17th & 18th.  We are offering discounted memberships, discounted training packages, free giveaways, drawings, and demonstrations.  Everyone is welcome to join us for the event.  Details will be posted on our Facebook page, Red Brook Health & Wellness Center.

FFFC:  How can our readers learn more about your products and services?

NS:  Red Brook Health is located at:  400 Red Brook Boulevard, Suite 10 (Ground Floor) Owings Mills, Md 21117.  Our phone number is 443 394 7361 and you can also find us on Facebook under Red Brook Health & Wellness Center.